Zambia Vs Chad

Zambia will host Chad at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Friday afternoon. The hosts are on a high after securing their first victory in this qualification campaign, while Chad is desperately seeking a positive result to reignite their hopes of reaching the tournament. For Zambia, momentum is building, but for Chad, the pressure is mounting. This match could prove pivotal for both nations, particularly as the stakes in their AFCON qualifying group grow ever higher.

Match Preview

Zambia enters this encounter full of confidence after a hard-fought 3-2 win against Sierra Leone on September 10. The victory showcased the Zambians' resilience, as they overcame the disappointment of losing 1-0 and 2-1 leads to ultimately claim all three points. Kings Kangwa became the hero of the match, netting the decisive goal just five minutes from full time. This victory not only ended Zambia’s nine-match winless run in competitive matches but also restored belief in their AFCON qualification campaign. Prior to this, the Chipolopolo had endured six straight losses, casting doubts over their prospects for reaching the prestigious tournament.

Under the guidance of experienced coach Avram Grant, Zambia has struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in 15 consecutive matches. Despite these ongoing defensive issues, their recent performance offered reasons for optimism, particularly in attack. After going five games without scoring a single goal, Zambia’s ability to find the back of the net three times against Sierra Leone was a significant improvement. Grant will undoubtedly want his team to build on this newfound attacking form as they look to solidify their place in Group G.

Currently second in their group, Zambia has a golden opportunity to widen the gap between themselves and the teams below them with a victory over Chad. A win on Friday could see Zambia pull five points clear of the chasing pack, setting them up for a more comfortable journey to Yaounde next week, where they will face Chad again in the return leg of their double-header. With qualification for the AFCON tournament now within reach, Zambia’s focus will be on maintaining their momentum and avoiding any slip-ups.

Chad's Struggles Continue

While Zambia approaches this match in high spirits, Chad’s situation is far more concerning. Chad's struggles in the AFCON qualification campaign have been glaring, with their most recent setback coming in a 2-0 defeat against Ivory Coast. Playing at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Chad failed to match the strength of their Ivorian opponents, conceding the opening goal just before half-time when Jean-Philippe Krasso scored. Any hopes of a Chad comeback were dashed early in the second half, as Oumar Diakite added a second goal in the 55th minute, leaving Chad with an uphill battle they were unable to overcome.

This latest defeat extends a miserable run for Chad, who have now lost three of their last four matches, drawing the other. Across these four games, Chad has conceded five goals while failing to score even once, highlighting problems at both ends of the pitch. Their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed time and again, while their inability to score has left them struggling to make any meaningful impact in their qualification campaign.

Chad’s qualification hopes now hang by a thread. Sitting at the bottom of their group, Les Sao have yet to record a single victory in this AFCON qualification campaign, and their chances of making it to the tournament proper are slipping away. Having never qualified for the AFCON finals before, Chad’s dream of reaching the continent’s biggest stage appears to be fading with each passing match. The clock is ticking for Chad to turn their fortunes around, and Friday’s match in Ndola represents one of their last opportunities to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Zambia's Tactical Focus

Avram Grant's Zambia has shown signs of tactical improvement, particularly in attack, and the coach will be eager to see his side build on their recent victory over Sierra Leone. Grant's experience as a coach has been pivotal in helping Zambia recover from a difficult run of form, and his tactical adjustments were evident in the way his team approached the game against Sierra Leone.

One of Grant’s primary concerns, however, remains Zambia’s defensive fragility. The Chipolopolo have now gone 15 consecutive matches without keeping a clean sheet, a statistic that will worry the coaching staff. The team’s tendency to concede goals, even when in a position of control, has undermined their efforts in previous matches, and addressing this defensive issue will be key if Zambia is to maintain their momentum in the qualifiers.

In attack, Zambia’s recent improvement has been a welcome development. The goals from Kings Kangwa, Kennedy Musonda, and Edward Chilufya in their last match demonstrated the team’s ability to create and finish chances. Kangwa, in particular, has emerged as a key player for Zambia, and his late winner against Sierra Leone could prove to be a turning point in their campaign. Grant will hope that Kangwa, along with other attacking players, can continue to find their scoring touch in the upcoming match against Chad.

Zambia’s positioning in Group G is favorable, but they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas. A victory over Chad would put them in a commanding position, and with a return leg in Yaounde on the horizon, Grant will be keen to ensure that his team approaches this double-header with maximum focus and determination. The Levy Mwanawasa Stadium crowd will also play a crucial role, as the home fans are expected to provide strong support for their team.

Chad's Road to Redemption

For Chad, Friday's match represents a final opportunity to salvage their AFCON qualification campaign. The team’s journey so far has been marked by disappointment, and the pressure is mounting on coach Kevin Nicaise to find a solution to their problems. Chad’s performances in recent months have been characterized by defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge in attack. If they are to have any chance of getting a result against Zambia, these issues must be addressed urgently.

Nicaise’s men have struggled to generate momentum, particularly in front of goal. Chad’s inability to score has been their Achilles’ heel, with the team drawing a blank in each of their last four matches. This lack of firepower has placed a heavy burden on their defense, which has been unable to withstand the pressure from more potent attacking sides. The absence of a reliable goalscorer has left Chad searching for answers, and their attacking players will need to step up if they are to pose any threat to Zambia.

Defensively, Chad has also been found wanting, conceding goals at key moments in matches. Their loss to Ivory Coast was a prime example of this, as they allowed their opponents to take control of the game with goals at the end of the first half and the beginning of the second. Nicaise will need to shore up his defense and instill greater discipline in his players if they are to avoid a repeat performance against Zambia.

Despite their poor form, Chad will take some solace in the fact that they have managed to pull off surprise results in the past. Their last away victory came in 2015, and while victories have been rare, Chad has occasionally shown the ability to rise to the occasion. If they can rediscover some of that resilience, they may yet be able to salvage something from their trip to Ndola.

The Battle Ahead

As Zambia and Chad prepare to face off in this critical AFCON qualifier, the stakes could not be higher for both teams. Zambia will be looking to build on their recent victory and strengthen their position in Group G, while Chad will be fighting to keep their qualification hopes alive. The contrasting form of the two sides suggests that Zambia may have the upper hand, but Chad’s desperation could make them dangerous opponents.

For Zambia, this is a chance to capitalize on their recent momentum and edge closer to securing a place in the AFCON tournament. With a win, they could pull clear of their rivals and take a significant step towards qualification. For Chad, the match represents a final lifeline in a campaign that has thus far been filled with disappointment. A win in Ndola could spark a late revival, but anything less could spell the end of their AFCON dreams.

Both teams will be aware of the importance of this match, and with so much at stake, fans can expect a hard-fought and intense contest. Whether Zambia’s attacking prowess will prevail or Chad’s determination will shine through remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this is a match neither side can afford to lose.